Tributes are being paid to the British servicewoman killed after a missile attack on Camp Taji in Iraq, Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon, age 26 has been described as “larger than life”.
A dozen coalition personnel were injured, and two American were also killed in the attack, in which 15 rockets hit the military camp on the evening on March 11th
LCpl Gillon served as a Reserve with the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry.
Her commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel William Leek, Commanding Officer Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry, said: “LCpl Brodie Gillon was a hugely popular character in the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry and we are proud and humbled to have served with her in our ranks.
“She was a larger than life soldier who was determined to deploy on operations, help others, develop herself and gain practical experience. She had already achieved a great deal in her relatively short time with us and it was abundantly clear that she was destined for great things in her civilian and military careers.
“Her loss is keenly felt. My deepest condolences go to her family and loved ones. They are in my thoughts and prayers, and those of the wider Regimental family.”
LCpl Gillon’s s squadron leader Major Craig Powers described her as “an utterly professional soldier, an outstanding medic, and loyal friend to all in A (Ayrshire) Squadron”.
He continued: “She was a hugely popular and very much respected member of the Squadron. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her whole family.”
Within hours of the missile attack, airstrikes reportedly began in an area of the Iraqi-Syrian border used as a compound by an Iran-backed militia group.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said in a statement: “From the warm testimonies of those who served with her, it’s clear that LCpl Gillon was held in the highest regard and was a shining example of what our Armed Forces and Reserves stand for, inspiring those around her and always putting others first.
“My thoughts go out to her loved ones at this incredibly difficult time and we will ensure they receive all the necessary support.”
A full statement from the Ministry of Defence reads: “It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the tragic death of Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon whilst on duty in the Middle East on 11 March 2020.
“LCpl Gillon, 26, served as a Reserve with the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry. She joined the regiment in September 2015 as a Combat Medical Technician (CMT), where she quickly progressed through her trade and military training to qualify as a Class 1 Combat Medical Technician in 2018.
“Always looking for new opportunities to challenge herself and develop more experience, LCpl Gillon volunteered to be part of the Royal Guard at Ballater, Scotland in 2019 and then again to be part of the Irish Guards Battle Group during their deployment to Iraq in 2020. It was during her time with the Irish Guards Battle Group that she was tragically killed in action following an incident at Camp Taji on 11 March.
“LCpl Gillon was a fit, energetic and compassionate individual, who played an active role in all aspects of military life. She juggled her military training with her career as a self-employed sports physiotherapist, and clearly excelled and was committed to both.”
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